

Wicked Smart Golf
Michael Leonard
Welcome to Wicked Smart Golf - hosted by Michael Leonard. This golf podcast will help you shoot lower scores and play your best WITHOUT changing your swing.
Michael is a full-time golf writer who has written over 3,500,000 words about the sport since 2017 and been playing golf for more than 20 years. In high school, he dropped 50 shots in four years (124-74), played college golf in Southern California, and now plays competitively in Arizona through the USGA, Arizona Golf Association, and Outlaw Tour. He even went to Q-school in 2019 as an amateur golfer.
His goal is simple - help golfers shoot lower scores and drop their handicap without all the technical swing changes. Because let's face it, no matter how good you get, your swing will never be perfect and a work in progress. The good news is that you don't need a "perfect" swing to break 80 or become a scratch golfer.
In this podcast, he will teach you how to play more consistent golf by mastering your mindset, playing wicked smart golf on the course, learn to practice like a pro, and simplify the short game for lower scores. Enjoy weekly solo episodes and plenty of interviews with golf coaches, elite players, best-selling authors, and other inspiring golf stories.
Check out the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon and Audible for even more helpful strategies to play your best golf ever.
Michael is a full-time golf writer who has written over 3,500,000 words about the sport since 2017 and been playing golf for more than 20 years. In high school, he dropped 50 shots in four years (124-74), played college golf in Southern California, and now plays competitively in Arizona through the USGA, Arizona Golf Association, and Outlaw Tour. He even went to Q-school in 2019 as an amateur golfer.
His goal is simple - help golfers shoot lower scores and drop their handicap without all the technical swing changes. Because let's face it, no matter how good you get, your swing will never be perfect and a work in progress. The good news is that you don't need a "perfect" swing to break 80 or become a scratch golfer.
In this podcast, he will teach you how to play more consistent golf by mastering your mindset, playing wicked smart golf on the course, learn to practice like a pro, and simplify the short game for lower scores. Enjoy weekly solo episodes and plenty of interviews with golf coaches, elite players, best-selling authors, and other inspiring golf stories.
Check out the Wicked Smart Golf Trilogy on Amazon and Audible for even more helpful strategies to play your best golf ever.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2024 • 5min
209: Stop Avoiding Mental Game Training
Learn why you should stop avoiding mental game training and how a mindfulness practice can transform your golf game (and life). To learn more about the power of meditation and/or mindfulness make sure to check out apps like Calm, Primed Mind, and Headspace. Also, make sure to download the FREE Goal Setting Guide to dominate 2024. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Jan 4, 2024 • 50min
208: Kathy Hart Wood - How to Master Your "Golf Brain" in 2024
Get your FREE Goals Guide to jumpstart 2024. Today I'm excited to interview Kathy Hart Wood - an LPGA Top 50 Teacher (2017-2022), Certified Life Coach, Golf Digest Best in State (2019-2022), and mental coach. In this episode you will learn: Offseason mental game strategies. The power of self-talk and belief to play your best golf. How to deal with bad playing partners (and still play good). Why golf tournaments are so much harder than a normal round. How Kathy became a pro golfer, top LPGA coach, and mental coach. Why you need to master your brain off the course to perform better during the round. And a lot more. Listen to the full episode so you can learn how to unleash your mental golf skills for more consistency. Make sure to follow Kathy on Instagram, listen to Above Par podcast, and check out her website to learn more about working together. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Jan 2, 2024 • 15min
207: The Secret Ingredient to Achieving Golf Goals
Let's crush your goals in 2024. Start by downloading this FREE Golf Goals Guide. Next, start by setting big, fun outcome goals. Let your imagination run wild and don't be afraid to dream big. To give you an example, some of golf specific outcome goals for 2024 include: Make every cut. Make Top 10 in AGA rankings. Shoot 66 or less in a tournament. Qualify for a pro or a USGA event. Win at least three tournaments (including one AGA major). Once you have a list of outcome goals, it’s time to create a process to achieve them. As they say, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” This is a little more of a guess and test game to achieve your goals but something you can update every month or quarter. For example, my process goals include: Train legs/core 3X per week. Speed training at least 2X per week. Play in 60+ tournament days in 2024. Indoor putting practice 3X per week (at least 20 minutes). Finally, don't forget to choose 1-2 golf "enemies" to keep you inspired and motivated throughout the year. Listen to the full episode for more tips to achieve your goals and download this FREE Golf Goals Guide to hold yourself accountable. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Dec 29, 2023 • 4min
206: Stop Missing Short Putts (25:75 Rule)
Stop missing short putts with Phil Mickelson's 25:75 rule. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Dec 28, 2023 • 14min
REPLAY: Q&A - How Do I Break 90 Consistently?
Breaking 90 is a great goal and this episode will teach you how to do it CONSISTENTLY... without any changes to your swing. Because here's the thing, whether you're a 14 handicap or a scratch golfer (or a pro) your swing is always a work in progress. It's constantly testing and tinkering to figure out how to build a more consistent swing. But the good news is that you CAN break 90 consistently without changing your swing. In this episode we'll cover: Why you need a pre-shot routine How to play par 5s to make more birdies Two equipment changes that will change your game Why you need a pre-round routine to avoid injuries and play better And a lot more. Don't forget to read the full article on how to break 90 with 15 more tips here. ---- WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Dec 26, 2023 • 18min
205: How to Recap Your Golf Year to Crush 2024
Stop setting golf goals if you don't first recap your year! You need to evaluate where you're at before you can get clear about where you want to go. When you listen, you'll learn: The importance of documenting your wins. Why you need to do more than just look at your stats. One exercise I do with all mental golf coaching students. A recap of my personal goals and why it's okay to not achieve all your goals. Message me on Instagram @wickedsmartgolf your biggest golf win in 2023! WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Dec 22, 2023 • 7min
204: Document Your 2023 Wins + Giveaway Winners!
Learn why you need to document your wins and identify a few things holding you back so you can improve in 2024 + you're ready for next week's episode! Plus, stick around to learn if you won in the Wicked Smart Golf Giveaways. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Dec 21, 2023 • 14min
203: Q&A: How Do I Hit it Longer? (5 Proven Strategies)
Quick Reminder: To enter into this epic Christmas giveaway, complete this short survey by 12/21 (shouldn’t take more than 3–4 minutes). Are you ready to hit it longer in 2024? If so, this episode is perfect for you. In this Q&A episode, I answer John's questions about how to hit it longer in 2024. If you can add speed, you will add distance and make golf so much easier. When you listen you'll learn: Why speed training works. Two of my favorite speed training tools. 5 ways to add speed and gain distance this offseason. Why the gym builds a mental and physical foundation for golf. And a lot more. WICKED SMART GOLF RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching 10X your confidence putting with the Look and Shoot Method. Take your practice to the next level with my FREE mini-course: Practice Like a Pro. Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro. Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Dec 19, 2023 • 26min
202: How I Played 63 Tournament Days This Year (& Costs)
>>To enter into this epic Christmas giveaway, complete this short survey (shouldn’t take more than 3–4 minutes). Do you want to learn more about tournament golf in 2024? In today's episode, I break down my progression of playing in tournament going back to 2016. I'll break down how I added events each year, what each event costs, and how you can get started next year. You'll also learn The costs of tournament golf. How to find local tournaments for 2024. The different types of events amateurs can play in. Why playing in competitive events can transform your game. If you want to learn everything about finding tournaments, different types (state events, mens clubs, USGA, etc.) and how to prepare, check out the Tournament Golf Formula. WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.

Dec 15, 2023 • 3min
201: Easy Offseason Tip to Stay Motivated in 2024
Use this easy offseason tip to get motivated to practice and play more golf in 2024. To enter into this epic Christmas giveaway, complete this short survey (shouldn’t take more than 3–4 minutes). WICKED SMART GOLF MENTAL GAME RESOURCES Work with Michael for Mental Golf Coaching Download the Mental Golf Playbook (100% FREE) Unlock your potential by taking your FREE mental game assessment: Mental Golf Type Master your pre-shot routine in golf to save 3–5 shots per round: Join Pre-Shot Like a Pro Also, don’t forget to connect on social media: Follow on TikTok Follow on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube Buy my golf book on Amazon (“Wicked Smart Golf: How to Play Better Golf and Shoot Lower Scores Without Changing Your Swing”) Make sure to SUBSCRIBE to get new episodes each week so you can play better without swing changes.